Mardi Gras may be the crown jewel in New Orleans’ cultural crown, but Voodoo Bar & Lounge laid its own claim on the grand fête this past weekend. Capping off five days of special events which included a jazz night and bayou style brunch was the Fat Tuesday Celebration. While the kitchen served up Creole staples like fried crawfish and muffalutta, bartenders kept hurricanes and Abita beer flowing like water. Some party-goers swapped memories of Mardi Gras past spent in the Big Easy. Others told tales of good luck traditions such as downing a plate full of pancakes for supper on Fat Tuesday. (Is it to soak up the alcohol? Could it be because proper meal timing is irrelevant after days of boozing? No one’s quite sure.) Music was supplied by Quiana Parlor & Friends, their brass horns happily penetrating every inch of the Avondale eatery. Parlor’s ability to blend funk classics with contemporary samples (à la Rhianna) was perfect for the crowd of young professionals and middle-aged ragers. —Angela Hanyak
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